DR BERND HORN DETAILS THE ORIGINS OF THE FIRST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE AND ITS FABLED COMBAT DEBUT AT MOUNT LA DIFENSA.
FIRST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE | ITALY | 1943
An original focus for FSSF operations was mountain warfare and operating in a harsh winter/arctic environment.
(ALL IMAGES VIA AUTHOR UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED)
A FSSF Forceman undergoing winter training.
Each step was a product of sheer will. Soaking wet from days of incessant rain, the cold wind that swept across the rock face cut through to the bone. Although the fingers and hands of the climbers were numb, their brains fatigued by lack of sleep and exertion, their task allowed for no respite. As each soldier clawed his way they mauled their hands on jagged rock that flayed the skin. Despite the pain, each had to stifle the instinct to cry out. The enemy position was above, on the summit of the mountain. Any noise could prove fatal.
